England Wheelchair Rugby League Opens World Cup Defence with 98-18 Win Over Wales

England launched their Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup title defence with a commanding 98-18 victory over Wales, but captain Rob Hawkins insisted the team were far from their best. Despite the 80-point margin, Hawkins said England "were not playing to our standards," signaling that the reigning champions expect more from themselves as they aim for back-to-back titles. The match showcased England's attacking firepower, with multiple players crossing for tries, but also exposed areas for improvement in defence and execution. Wales, making their World Cup appearance, showed resilience but were ultimately overwhelmed by England's pace and skill. The result sets up a strong start for England in the tournament, but Hawkins' comments suggest the team is focused on refining their performance for tougher challenges ahead. With the World Cup being held on home soil, expectations are high for England to dominate, and this opening win, while emphatic, is just the first step in their campaign. The team will look to build momentum and address their standards as the tournament progresses.